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Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Contemporary, Australian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
features
Does this restaurant offer free wifi?
Details
About
Dunbar House is one of Australia’s oldest standing structures, built in the 1830s. This stunning heritage home is a Sydney landmark destination that has been beautifully restored, playing host to wedding receptions, private and corporate events. Located on the shores of Watsons Bay in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs this impressive establishment is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets. We are open exclusively for weddings, private and corporate events. Our café has recently closed.
CUISINES
Contemporary, Australian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
319 reviews
Excellent
167
Very good
101
Average
20
Poor
19
Terrible
12
Craig
9 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
The classic building and beautiful waterfront setting make Dunbar House look expensive, but their excellent breakfasts are very reasonably priced. Staff are friendly. I can recommend the mushroom and truffle oil omelet.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris236-12
Sydney38 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
Went to Dunbar House today for my birthday and wow !! Beautiful decor , lunch was delicious and service from Anna was outstanding. We had zucchini flowers and hummus for entree, the roast chicken and tortellini for mains , chocolate cake and cream brûlée’s for dessert. Every dish was amazing and great prices to match .We caught the ferry from Circular Quay as I believe parking can be difficult.. overall we will definitely return and highly recommend anyone to dine here
Written 9 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy J
Sydney495 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
Our visit started beautifully and finished just as beautifully. The staff were attentive but not claustrophobic. They immediately moved us to another table with a better view when we asked if one was available. The Menu catered for all diets and preferences and was served quickly. The quality was outstanding and beautifully presented. We could not find a single fault with our visit and look forward to the next time..
Written 5 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vee
Kellyville24 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
We visited Dunbar House at around 3.30pm this afternoon and were told that they were closed as they were preparing for a function that evening. We checked the closing time online thereafter and found that it was 3pm so we gracefully departed. However, after we were told that they would not be able to serve us, our group witnessed that two customers who arrived AFTER us were welcomed inside and seated. We also witnessed another group who was already seated being given menus to order from. This was after the kitchen had supposedly closed.
At this point, I will mention that 2 members of our party were of Indian descent, and it was one of these individuals who approached the staff member to be seated and was refused. The individuals who arrived and were seated after our group was turned away were of Caucasian descent, as were the diners who were given menus after we were made to understand that the kitchen was closed.
We took our business elsewhere in Watsons Bay and were served with a smile.
I would love to give this venue zero stars for their unacceptable treatment of my group.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wattolocal
Sydney15 contributions
Jan 2023 • none
We were loyal customers of Dunbar House for over 10 years, often visiting twice a week with our babies, now little boys, sometimes more often and with larger groups. We also hosted functions there and at other Grand Pacific Group venues, including a work Christmas party. The cafe was never a priority for the group - it was often closed on the weekend for weddings without warning, on social media or otherwise, so it was hard to be a loyal customer unless you lived very locally like we do. Today 29/1/23 the cafe operated for the last time before their lease with Woollahra Council expires in July 2023. This is because the cafe is not as profitable as the Wedding factory operations and apparently they can't be bothered running it anymore. This is despite the fact that for over ten years the cafe has constantly turned people away and never operated at full capacity - the upstairs area was never used. Since Cassie the maitre'd and Rain the chief barista left earlier this year, service and quality has also slipped and they have been unable to meet simple requests like making a strong Chai latte. The venue has also deteriorated and is in need of some maintenance - toilet seats are broken and the place needs a paint. Today our table was not even given water and even after requesting it and following it up, when it came after the meals were served, there were only 3 cups for 4 people and no ice on a hot day. Despite being such regulars, we were given one of the worst tables in the cafe, up the back of the indoor room, our only view, flies crawling on the walls. When I asked if I could drink my latte at one of the 2 free tables outside on the terrace, which would have taken all of five minutes and let me relive some very good memories of sitting on the terrace with my babies and my dog who died recently, the new maitre'd refused.
Written 28 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alice671
Sydney33 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
Having been a fan of Dunbar House for over 5 years, I took a friend there for breakfast last Saturday morning, with high expections. It turned out to be SUCH a disappointing experience!
While the food was good, as always, the waitress was surly and downright rude. We had been the first party to arrive, yet as the restaurant began to fill up, she proceeded to take several other tables' orders before ours. We then waited longer than usual for our food and when it did arrive, it was nearly cold.
I expressed my dissatisfaction to the Manageress as we left and her response was not in the least apologetic. She told me that I could voice my complaint on the Internet! I'll be doing more than that. I'm telling all my friends to avoid patronising this venue until something is done about appalling staff attitude!
Written 16 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie N
We deeply regret that your recent experience with us was disappointing and thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. Can you please kindly email info@grandpacificgroup.com.au so we can discuss this matter further.
Written 20 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robyn P
Canberra132 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
We had lunch here with friends on Sunday 05 January. What a magical setting looking out over Watson’s Bay towards the city. It’s only a short ferry or fast cat ride from Circular Quay via Rose Bay. Such a pretty way to get to lunch! I had the wonderful seafood risotto whilst others had the salmon, snapper and duck dishes. Everything was delicious, freshly prepared and beautifully presented. We will definitely be back! Make sure that you book ahead as it’s a very popular place, being only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday for lunch. We finished by moving out onto the veranda for tea and desserts!
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberta F
Woollahra36 contributions
July 2019 • none
My favourite spot is on the terrace looking out over the harbour either having afternoon tea or lunch. I've never tried it for dinner as lunch is the best time for the view. I keep meaning to try something else but the salmon salad is so delicious and go back to it time after time.
Dunbar House is a beautiful old house set behind the magnificent Morton Bay Fig trees in a very special part of the world. The dining rooms are lovely too as the terrace can get very hot in the summer.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlisonL
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • family
We booked a family breakfast at Dunbar House on our recent Watson’s Bay getaway. The food we were served was basic and clearly reheated. The staff were inexperienced and lacked character or any effort to welcome us.
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CavendishLondon
63 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
I took friends here for lunch as a thank you for their hospitality. I thought the food was exceptionally delicious as did my guests. The fish was stunning and perfectly cooked.
They must have a wonderful chef.
The location is impressive. We sat outside, the view of the water was so tranquil and the Morton Bay fig tree truly beautiful.
I would highly recommend this restaurant.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happysnappa
Toowoomba36 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
Started off with a beautiful wedding in the park then had late lunch for 14 people. It was sensational. The staff were very friendly & accommodating. The menu offered a great variety. I chose stuffed zucchini flowers followed by prawn linguine. Both were delicious. Definitely recommend this venue.
Written 7 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nbrasche
Killcare1 contribution
Jan 2020 • none
My husband and I had our wedding reception at Dunbar house and we returned with 45 friends for our 50th Anniversary. The service was amaziing as was the food and wine, not to mention the magnificent views. The staff were so helpful and couldn't do enough to make our celebration, Highly recommended for any important event!
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
decline421
Greater Sydney405 contributions
June 2021 • none
I attended a wake for an old friend at Dunbar House - my first visit in many decades since I used to go there for special dinner celebrations. It still is the splendid building in a wonderful location. good views, appropriate and pleasant décor, good staff and excellent loos. Parking OK as unrestricted in nearby streets - but beware of sunny summer days when the place will be overrun. Good bus device (at present - but watch the government cuts). Good place to visit but cannot comment on food (vide reason for visit)
Written 19 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie N
Thank you so much for your kind words.
We hope to see you again soon.
Written 20 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hunt
13 contributions
June 2021 • couples
Excellent three course lunch on a sunny winters day. Could not fault the service or the meals. Good value for a high send restaurant in an amazing location. Best to catch the ferry. Also enjoyed the south head walk.
Written 1 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie N
Thank you for taking the time to write this review. We are so glad that you enjoyed your lunch at Dunbar House. We hope to see you again soon!
Written 15 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellemay 🍹🐠🐳
Sydney47321 contributions
Mar 2021 • couples
We arrived at Dunbar House without a booking for breakfast. Luckily they we able to find us a table. The breakfast was delicious and so too the coffee. ☕️ The service was a little slow but it was Easter Sunday and busy. We were just happy having the table and being able to enjoy such a beautiful morning in Watson’s Bay. ❤️
Written 10 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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